The Killing of One Hundred and Fifty Million Years

another typical day, with feet on the ground
ordering the hedge to meet my image of trim
many measured bits fall before the cutting edge
casual thoughts detach, is there anybody in ?

then some mental inner disturbance jangles
with corresponding jig, nerves rip in deeper
following the run of a stalk, the hang of a sprig
so prune the untidy and unwelcome creeper

movement to the side of my eye is caught
something is scared, behind dense vegetation
the fast beating breast of a baby brown bird
frantic flutter flash, demented aggravation

descends to the pavement in fear driven escape
panic ruptures in flood from a half sliced-off wing
chest partly open, feathers flecked red with blood
cupped warm in my hand, young life does cling

grim realisation, fledgling with no hope
pressure leaking, ebbing from a dying heart
but then our eyes meet, answers it is seeking
where's my mum, when can my flying lessons start?'

the deed is now done, the light that shone has gone out
just the salt of my tears at this horrible juncture
the killing of one hundred and fifty million years
and this clumsy ape's evolutionary puncture

undiluted guilt, too much concentration to bear
to forgive and assuage, soothing rational thought
replacement anger and even more depressing rage
bombs target children when careless wars are fought

imagine that child, in screaming terrified terror
in mortal trouble, reduced to core instinct base
an external world has turned your home into rubble
where's my mum, why can't I see her familiar face?'
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Gist Avatar
November 28, 2018 at 1:48 PM
That was like a movie!
Love Avatar
November 30, 2018 at 4:50 AM
thanks for that
Sergi Avatar
October 28, 2018 at 9:41 AM
Hi Ian: I was in awe of this very profound poem that is sending many messages in context. Welcome to the soup, Friend!!
Love Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 3:44 AM
Hi Ralph - thank you for comments
Mcferran Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 7:08 AM
I am in utter awe. This is brilliantly rendered, heartbreakingly intense, and profound. Thank you so much for sharing!
Love Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 3:45 AM
Hi Rhona - thank you for your comments
Proxenos Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 3:49 AM
Oh wow Ian, What a message you send out! the same throught has often crossed my mind and I still have an image of a little 4 year old boy in Syria, standing among rubble and debris with no where to turn to - heart rending! Well done! regards, Jennifer
Wanter Avatar
October 24, 2018 at 6:17 PM
Congratulations on your lifetime membership. This is a grand poem!!
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